Yes, you can dine and snack healthy in Walt Disney World, and we’ve got a few of our favorite tips right here!
Tips for Healthy Eating in Disney World
First things first! These are tips everyone already knows, but we sometimes need a reminder or two…or three. 😉
- Look for fresh, not processed foods: You can find fresh fruits and veggies in every theme park! Select stands and locations offer “better-for-you-fare,” and these are your best bets:
- Prince Eric’s Village Market and Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom
- Anaheim Produce in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Land Cart and Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT
- Harambe Fruit Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- When you’re in a Resort food court, consider a salad, boiled egg, or pita and hummus from the chilled Grab-and-Go sections.
- Learn to be a “bother:” Order sauces on the side, substitute veggies or fruit for fries (most counter service locations have options like Cuties mandarins, apple slices, or grapes to switch for fries), ask that your meat not be cooked in butter, skip the bun on a sandwich, or see if you can order a half-portion of an entree for less money.
- Watch portion size: Disney likes to give you your money’s worth when it comes to food, so be aware when you order. Make a meal out of an appetizer, and when you splurge on a rich entree or huge dessert, share with someone else at the table. And, at counter service locations, adults may want to consider ordering a Kids’ meal to limit portions.
- Eat breakfast: Breakfast is going to be one of the easiest and cheapest meals to eat healthily in a restaurant, so book Advance Dining Reservations for mid-morning breakfast and fuel up with eggs, veggies, and wheat toast. Plus, there’s no temptation of ordering dessert!
- Stay hydrated with water: This is just general good advice for all times (especially in the Florida heat), but it’s easy to reach for a sugary beverage when you get thirsty. Plenty of locations around Disney World provide free ice water so you can stay ahead of your thirst.
- Check out menus BEFORE your vacation: It’s easier than ever prepare in advance. Visit the Walt Disney World website or search the My Disney Experience app and peruse the online menus for the restaurants you’re most interested in visiting to make sure you’ll have healthy options that appeal to you personally before you travel.
Kids’ Disney Check Meals
Kids’ Disney Check Meals are designated on counter service restaurant menus throughout the Resort. These meals meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines and make them easily identifiable on kids’ menus.
Each Disney Check meal aims to deliver three or more nutritious food groups, including vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. They also use recipes and ingredients that incorporate less sodium, sugar, and saturated and trans fats. Just look for Mickey and the CHECK, as seen on the above menu picture from Capt. Cook’s in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
Just a Few Healthy Favorites…
The Famous Cobb Salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Even if your goal ISN’T to dine healthy, you still shouldn’t miss the Famous Cobb Salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby!
Mediterranean Salads in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Harambe Salad features Mediterranean flavors at Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom’s Africa!
And we’re big fans of the Mediterranean Salad at ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios, too, which comes with hummus!
Seasonal Side Salads at The Polite Pig in Disney Springs
This Disney Springs BBQ joint often boasts fresh and flavorful salads, to boot! Check out the Florida Strawberry Salad to get an idea…
Customizable Bowls at Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One of my favorite spots to grab a healthy counter service lunch is Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can’t go wrong with their Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl, for which you get to select from healthy proteins and bases (including Romaine and Kale Salad!).
Power Greens Salad at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT
The tasty Power Greens Salad at Regal Eagle Smokehouse presents chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Katsura Grill, Tokyo Dining, and Teppan Edo in EPCOT
Another option that I can recommend is the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Whether you choose a counter service meal at Katsura Grill or you opt for table service at Tokyo Dining or Teppan Edo, there are lots of grilled meat and veggie choices.
Endorian Salad and Veggie Dippers at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Hollywood Studios
The main Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge counter service spot, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, serves up some healthy and flavorful eats for Jedi and Padawans! The Roasted Endorian Tip Yip Chicken Salad (which you can also order with Tofu) serves up Marinated Chicken, Mixed Greens, Roasted Vegetables, Quinoa, and Pumpkin Seeds with a tasty Green Curry Ranch.
And the Takodana Veggie Dippers Youngling (Kids) Meal features Black Bean Hummus, Edible Soil with Nuts, Chilled Dipping Vegetables, and Multigrain Crisps with a side of ‘Ranch’ dressing.
The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Wave focuses on market-inspired sustainable dishes, which results in MORE healthy choices featuring fresh seasonal produce on the menu!
Looking for more?
Find our Top Ten Healthy-ish Places to Eat in Disney World here!
For more information on allergy-friendly dining, Kosher dining, vegan and vegetarian dining and more, visit our Special Diets Resources Page.
For more Disney dining information, including details on dining discounts, restaurants, dining plans, menus, and more, visit our Disney Dining Reference Page.
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